Headlight adventure

[Capa1970]

About 2 weeks ago I attempted to clear up my headlights on my 1999 GS400. I was using the new Oprimum 5 1/2 cutting pads with Meg D300 and the Griot's DA. There was some improvement but not what I wanted. Today I tried a 5 1/2 yellow flat pad with D300. Again, very little improvement. I really wasn't wanting to wet sand but it looks like it might be my only option. Any suggestions?

[slickooz]

Do you have any photos? I think the only reason people don't want to wet sand headlights because it will completely remove the original UV protection. Since your car is well over 10+ years, you have nothing to fear because most likely they are oxidized and needs to be sanded down to remove most of the oxidation. After your done you should always apply protection of your choice.

[Capa1970]

What's kind of weird is that on one side the two headlights are quite clear but on the other side they are cloudy. I bought the car about 3 years ago and don't know if those are the original or what. But I find it very odd that there is such a distinction between the two sides?!?

[GalKonz]

What about uploading some photos? I can say that the two headlights are clear on vertical surface, and faded in horizontal ones. Am i right? :)

[Setec Astronomy]

What's kind of weird is that on one side the two headlights are quite clear but on the other side they are cloudy. I bought the car about 3 years ago and don't know if those are the original or what. But I find it very odd that there is such a distinction between the two sides?!?

Could be how the original owner parked the car, maybe the better ones didn't get so much sun, or more likely they were replaced due to an accident. I doubt you're going to get much joy without wetsanding.

[Capa1970]

I will try to upload some pictures but I have never done this on the forum. Can it be done via iPhone 4 or iPad 2 and how?

[SON1C]

Try out one of the headlight resto kits

[Capa1970]

I will try to upload some pictures but I have never done this on the forum. Can it be done via iPhone 4 or iPad 2 and how?

Anyone?

[mrGolfRider]

Tapatalk?

Sent from my HTC Sensation using Tapatalk 2

[Capa1970]

11531

The right headlight is about 90% and I am very happy with it but the left one is maybe 70%.

[Capa1970]

As mentioned earlier, I used the new Optimum 5 in mf pads on speed 5.5 on my Griot's followed by the tangerine hydro tech pads with DG 501. I wasnt happy with the results Two weeks later I decided to try a flat yellow pad with D300 (same product used with mf pad). Again, very little improvement. I am reluctant to wetsand but is that my only option? Will a dedicated headlight kit do better than what I have already done?

[Capa1970]

As mentioned earlier, I used the new Optimum 5 in mf pads on speed 5.5 on my Griot's followed by the tangerine hydro tech pads with DG 501. I wasnt happy with the results Two weeks later I decided to try a flat yellow pad with D300 (same product used with mf pad). Again, very little improvement. I am reluctant to wetsand but is that my only option? Will a dedicated headlight kit do better than what I have already done?

Anyone?

[Capa1970]

Will a headlight kit get the job done for me or should I just go straight to wet sanding?

[Detailchick]

I have done them with wool pads but if they are really bad I would wet sand with 1500,2000 grit (I think) and then compound with a wool pad pretty much, just make sure you don't let it get too hot.

[Capa1970]

I've never used a wool pad but I assume that it has more cut than the microfiber pads that I used. I knew that wool pads are common with rotaries but I've never seen one for a DA. I guess I will try wetsanding. I actually saw a wet sanding kit in the automotive section at a Walmart---I may try that one.